2017 Ford Fusion Energi vs 2017 Toyota Prius Prime

If an
all-electric car is a step too far for you right now, but you still want to
reduce the environmental impact of the vehicle you drive, a plug-in hybrid has
to be the way to go. There's an increasing amount of choice in this area of the
market, and if you're comparing the 2017
Ford Fusion Energi vs 2017 Toyota Prius Prime you’re looking at two of the
best. To see which is the better option for you, here's a Fusion Energi vs Prius Prime comparison to help makes things a
little clearer.

Exterior
styling

It's hard to go
wrong when your plug-in hybrid is based on the sensational Ford Fusion
as it's already one of the most attractive midsize sedans out there, and has
been for a while now. Its fastback outline is hard to resist, and only those
with a keen eye or enthusiasts will know the Fusion Energi from the regular model. The 2017 Toyota
Prius Prime is the new plug-in version of the fourth-generation Prius, and it
has to be said its styling is an acquired taste. The Prius styling has always
been a point of contention, and the latest model is perhaps the most polarizing
interpretation to date. Unless you're someone who loves the way the Toyota
looks, this first part of our Ford vs
Toyota battle has to go to the Ford.

Powertrains

A 2.0-liter
four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery
packpowers the 2017 Ford
Fusion Energi. The combined output of the system is a healthy 195 horsepower,
and as the battery pack is much bigger than the one in the standard Fusion
Hybrid, the Energi can reach speeds of up to 85 mph or can be driven for up to
20 miles on purely electric power. The battery takes seven hours to be fully
charged using a 120-volt power source, or just 2.5 hours if using a 240-volt
source. The Toyota has an all-electric range of 22 miles, but the 1.8-liter
four-cylinder gasoline engine and pair of electric motors only have a combined
output of 121 horsepower, so this is another win for the Fusion Energi.

Interior

As the Fusion
Energi is basically a PHEV version of the highly regarded Fusion, most people
will be aware of what a spacious, practical vehicle it's going to be. It's a
true five-seat family sedan with plenty of leg and headroom, as well as plenty
of storage space and no lack of comfort. The Prius Prime is a four-seat sedan
as the fifth seating position has been eliminated in the interests of maximizing
range and efficiency, according to Toyota. The quality of materials isn’t as
good as good as it could be, or as good as in the Fusion Energi, so this is
another round that has to be given to the Ford.

Cost

When the
battery has been depleted and the Fusion Energi is operating as a hybrid, the
EPA gives it fuel economy ratings of 40 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway
and 38 mpg combined. The Prius Prime has a combined rating of 54 mpg, and it
also costs a lot less to buy at $27,100 for the entry model, compared to
$33,120 for the most affordable Fusion Energi. This is a win at last for the
Toyota then.

Verdict

If all you want
is an efficient, affordable plug-in hybrid and you’re not too bothered about
much else, the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is a great option. However, if you want
a great car that also happens to be an environmentally friendly plug-in hybrid,
the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi is in a different class to the Toyota.